What To Do in Dallas for New Year’s Eve 2009

Don’t have plans yet? No problem. We can help with everything—except whom to kiss at midnight.

By Sarah Eveans, Kyle Kearbey, and Samantha Criswell

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It’s the most frequently asked question this time of year: what are you doing for New Years Eve? Well, what’s your answer? If you don’t have a good one yet, read below. We’ve got hotel parties, multicourse dinners, DJs, live music, and fireworks. All that’s left for you to do is to find is someone to kiss at midnight. We’ll leave that one up to you.

The Contemporary Theatre of DallasHighlights: The Contemporary Theatre of Dallas is throwing a cabaret-style party, featuring local and regional artists such as Lee Harris, Mike Mullino, the Brehms, and more. Appetizers, dancing, DJ, and cash bar are also part of the event.Price: $50Time: 9 pmReservations: 214-828-0094

Gypsy Moon New Year’s Eve Gala at the Four SeasonsHighlights: Ring in the New Year at the Four Seasons. Hors d’oeuvre, a three-course dinner, Valentina the fortune teller, a tarot card reader, and a performance by the Mars Hill Band round out the evening.Price: From $440 per coupleTime: 6:30 pmReservations: 972-717-2499

Highland Entertainment’s NYE PartyHighlights: Celebrate New Year’s Eve at the Fairmont Hotel with the All Funk Radio Show, DJ Logic, live dancers, a balloon drop, and an open bar.Price: General admission: $100; VIP: $175Time: General admission: 10 pm–2 am; VIP: 8 pm–2 amReservations: 214-808-0829

Hyatt RegencyHighlights: At this 18th annual event, guests are treated to music from ProfessorD, a dinner buffet, party favors, desserts, and a midnight balloon drop.Price: $255 and $325 per couple including room, admission, parking, and moreTime: 7 pm–1 amReservations: 800-233-1234

New Year’s Eve at the Symphony Package at the Ritz-Carlton, DallasHighlights: Ring in the New Year in style with two orchestra-level tickets to the Dallas Symphony Orchestra’s NYE Concert performance, a meet-and-greet with Music Director Jaap Van Zweden, a night’s stay at the Ritz-Carlton, breakfast for two at Fearing’s Restaurant, transportation between the Meyerson and the hotel, and valet parking. Price: From $499 per roomTime: Concert begins at 7:30 pmReservations: 800-241-3333

The Warwick MelroseHighlights: New Year’s Eve at the Warwick Melrose Hotel includes a reception with pasta, carving station, and more; two drinks per person; party favors; and a champagne toast at midnight. Singer (and Best of Big D 2009 winner) Aubree-Anna performs all night.Price: $85; $299 with roomTime: 9 pm–1 amReservations: 214-224-3109

NIGHTLIFE

Barley HouseHighlights: Beatles tribute band A Hard Night’s Day performs four sets. Also enjoy free champagne at midnight, party favors, a buffet at 8 pm, and a 1 am breakfast buffet.Price: $40; groups of four or more can reserve a table for $200Time: 4 pm–2 amReservations: 214-824-0306

The BoardroomHighlights: The Boardroom in Victory Park offers a view of Dallas’ largest fireworks show, DJ Justin Bell, and bottle specials on Grey Goose and Martini and Rossi champagne. Price: $25 cover; $200 minimum for a tableTime: 5 pmReservations: 214-740-0555

Grapevine BarHighlights: The Grapevine Bar’s New Year’s celebration includes seven drink tickets, a dinner buffet, a champagne toast at midnight, and a shuttle to a presidential suite at a local hotel. Price: $65 in advance; $85 at the doorTime: 7 pmReservations: 214-522-8466

Iron CactusHighlights: This seventh annual party features well drinks, beer, and wine in the price, as well as champagne at midnight, light hors d’oeurvre, and music from two DJs.Price: $85Time: 9 pm–2 amReservations: 214-748-7482

JoyceHighlights: Ring in the New Year at Joyce, with DJs Masai, ShahZAD, and Primo; party favors; shot specials; champagne toast at midnight; $1,000 cash prize; and balloon drop.Price: General admission: $35; VIP: $45Time: 10 pmReservations: 214-922-9911

The Londoner UptownHighlights: The Londoner is offering champagne and caviar in addition to a four-course dinner prepared by chef Stephen DeSandro. The late-night party features a DJ and champagne toast at midnight. Price: $55 for dinner; no cover for the late-night partyTime: 6, 7 & 9 pm; 10 pm late-night partyReservations: 214-979-2333

The Quarter BarHighlights: Quarter Bar is having a prom-themed New Year’s Eve party complete with a photographer and backdrop, DJ, snacks, spiked punch, and select domestic beers, as well as Tito’s vodka, Jameson, and Captain Morgan drinks. Price: $50 in advance; $60 at the door Time: 10 pm-2 am Reservations: 214-754-4940

Sunset LoungeHighlights: Sunset Lounge offers appetizers, party favors, a DJ, and a champagne toast at midnight. Bottle service and group packages are available.Price: $50 ($75 at the door); group packages: $300–$1,000Time: 9 pmReservations: 214-823-8193

TreesHighlights: Ring in the New Year with The Boom Boom Box, Dove Hunter, and The Toadies at Trees. Price: $45Time: 7 pmReservations: 214-741-1122

Wish UltraloungeHighlights: New Year’s Eve at Wish includes music by DJ Krave, champagne toast at midnight, $1,000 cash prize, snow balloon drop, and party favors. The “Life of Luxury” package includes a Moet champagne and Belvedere vodka bar, caviar station, and chocolate fountain from 8-10 pm.Price: General admission: $35; VIP: $45; Life of Luxury: $65Time: 8 pmReservations: 214-389-5723

RESTAURANTS

AbacusHighlights: Chef Kent Rathbun is offering two seatings at different price points. Both meals include dishes such as seared foie gras, roasted Bobwhite quail, New York strip, lobster shooters, and more.Price: First seating: $75; second seating: $95 plus a glass of Moet or a Belvedere vodka cocktailTime: First seating: 5–6 pm; second seating: after 7:30 pmReservations: 214-559-3111

Bread WinnersHighlights: In addition to its regular menu, Bread Winner’s is offering a four-course meal with dishes such as champagne Brie soup, crab and Gouda fondue, blue cheese-crusted filet, and more. A glass of wine or champagne is included in the four-course meal.Price: $47 or à la carte pricesTime: 5 pmReservations: Uptown: 214-754-4940; Inwood Village: 214-351-3339; Plano: 972-312-9300

CadotHighlights: Cadot Restaurant’s first seating is à la carte selections from the menu. The second seating is a set menu, a glass of champagne at midnight, party favors, and live music. Price: First seating: menu prices; second seating: $89Time: First seating: 5:30-8 pm; second seating: 8 pmReservations: 972-267-5700

Chamberlain’sHighlights: Chamberlain’s is offering two seatings. The first seating includes a three-course menu; the second seating includes a four-course menu. Selections include pheasant and wild rice chowder, filet mignon with lobster béarnaise sauce, and bourbon and sun-dried cherry bread pudding.Price: First seating: $69.95; second seating: $79.95Time: First seating: 4:30-6:45 pm; second seating: 7-11 pmReservations: 972-934-2467

Chamberlain’s Fish Market GrillHighlights: Chamberlain’s Fish Market Grill is offering two seatings. The first seating includes a three-course menu; the second seating includes a four-course menu. Price: First seating: $59.95; second seating: $69.95Time: First seating: 4:30-6:45 pm; second seating: 7-11 pmReservations: 972-503-3474

Dali Wine BarHighlights: Dali is offering two seatings on New Year’s Eve, timed to give theater-goers in the AT&T Performing Arts Center a chance to eat before or after a show. Guests not attending a show are welcome as well. In addition, a five-course “Bring in the New Year” menu is offered, which comes with party favors and champagne.Price: Regular dinners: à la carte; Bring in the New Year dinner: $110Time: First seating: 5–7 pm; second seating: 8–10 pmReservations: 469-385-9360

Five SixtyHighlights: Wolfgang Puck’s first seating features its regular dinner menu and a special à la carte menu. The second seating features a fixed-price menu with optional wine parings. A DJ starts at 10 pm. Price: Second seating: $145 per person; $185 with wine pairingTime: First seating, 5–7 pm; second seating, 8–10:30 pmReservations: 214-741-5560

The GrapeHighlights: This New Year’s Eve, The Grape is offering a fixed-price three-course dinner with optional wine pairings. The last seating includes a champagne toast and party favors.Price: $65; $85 with wineTime: 5 pmReservations: 214-828-1981

The Grill on the AlleyHighlights: Feast on dishes such as seafood trio, Australian rack of lamb, bone-in filet, and hazelnut crème brûlée.Price: à la carteTime: 11 am–11 pmReservations: 214-459-1601

Hotel St. Germain Highlights: The Hotel is offering two seatings. The first features a five-course dinner. The second features a seven-course dinner. Dancing, a toast at midnight, and more are part of the celebration.Price: First seating: $95 per person; second seating: $175 per personTime: First seating: 6–6:30 pm; second seating: 8–10 pmReservations: 214-871-2516

KenichiHighlights: New Year’s Eve at Kenichi includes a fixed menu with dishes such as Texas-style surf and turf and Japanese ceviche. The second seating includes a champagne toast at midnight and party favors. Price: First seating: $100; second seating $125Time: First seating: 6:30 pm; second seating: 9 pmReservations: 214-871-8883

Lavendou Bistro ProvencalHighlights: The chefs are offering a three- and five-course dinner, with dishes such as oysters Rockefeller, duck confit, beef tenderloin in a pastry crust with foie gras sauce, and more. The five-course meal comes with a glass of champagne.Price: $64.95 and $79.95Time: 5:30–10:30 pmReservations: 972-248-1911

Screen DoorHighlights: Screen Door is having two seatings. The first includes a three-course meal, and the second includes a four-course meal plus a glass of champagne. Dishes include New Orleans-style gumbo, beef tenderloin, and warm chocolate pudding cake.Price: First seating: $55; second seating: $85Time: First seating: 5:30 pm; second seating: 8 pmReservations: 214-720-9111

Second FloorHighlights: The Second Floor is offering a three-course meal with dishes such as crab ravioli, duck confit risotto, and banana bread French toast.Price: $69; $25 for wine pairingsTime: 5:30 pm–midnightReservations: 972-450-2978

Steel Highlights: Ring in the new year at Steel with a four-course menu featuring new items and old favorites, such as Vietnamese “shaken” beef. The gala seating includes a glass of bubbly.Price: First seating: $55; gala seating: $85Time: First seating, 5–7 pm; gala seating, 7:30–11 pmReservations: 214-219-9908

Stephan PylesHighlights: Stephan Pyles is offering two dinners. The first is a four-course meal, and the second is a five-course dinner with party favors, champagne, DJ, and dancing.Price: First seating: $85, $125 with wine; second seating: $125, $185 with wineTime: First seating: 6–7 pm; second seating: 9–10 pmReservations: 214-580-7000

Texas de BrazilHighlights: Choose from the delicious regular menu or a couple’s menu that includes dinner for two, dessert, coffee, and a bottle of champagne.Price: Couples: $150; individuals: $42.99Time: 5 pmReservations: 214-720-1414

Toulouse Cafe and BarHighlights: A special meal is offered, with dishes such as foie gras-stuffed quail and potato-crusted sea bass.Price: à la carteTime: Served all day, opening at 11 amReservations: 214-520-8999

TramontanaHighlights: Tramontana is celebrating New Year’s Eve with a special holiday menu. Live Texas blues begins at 10 pm.Price: First seating: $50; second seating: $65Time: First seating: 5:30–6:30 pm; second seating: 8:30–9 pmReservations: 214-368-4188

Tre AmiciHighlights: Tre Amici is serving three dinner choices at three price points. A complimentary champagne toast is offered at midnight, as well as live music from pianist Adrian King.Price: $55, $75, $125Time: 5 pm–1 amReservations: 972-250-4400